Jonah smiled gently. His handsome features radiated tenderness as he gazed at her. At that moment, it felt like the whole world had quieted down. She seemed to be the only one there.Ivanka looked up and caught the affection in his eyes. Her heart fluttered. It was the same affection she had seen in Hanson’s eyes, and she had seen it more than once. She was familiar with such a gaze.Jonah was such a good actor.Jonah looked at her. “Iv, we have a lifetime ahead of us. I have all the time in the world to win over your heart. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”Ivanka’s eyelashes trembled.“Oh, my God! This is so romantic! Oh, god! Mr. Sadler is so handsome! I want to marry him! I really do! I can’t take it anymore!”“Well, you will just have to take it. Mr. Sadler won’t even spare you a glance.”“Oh, my God! They’re so romantic! When will I ever get my own Prince Charming?”Jonah smiled. “How about we go to dinner first?”Ivanka nodded. Jonah did not forcefully pull her
Many were still talking about what just happened in excitement. They were all on the verge of an envy-driven meltdown. When would they ever meet such an impressive man in their lives?If a man could have just a fraction of Jonah’s charisma, they would gladly accept him!Just as discussions reached a fever pitch, someone suddenly spoke up.“Hold on, now that they’ve left, how do we walk out of these flowers?”In an instant, everyone froze.Indeed, they had not even left the company’s doors yet!However, Jonah set up this sea of flowers. Should they leave it as it was? What were they supposed to do now?Someone instinctively glanced at Thomas, who had just stepped out.Thomas was smirking. He had clearly witnessed the scene unfold.“Mr. Thomas, how do we get out of here?Thomas chuckled. “Mr. Sadler’s staff have already said that they would clean up this place once they leave.”A collective sigh of relief swept through the crowd.As Thomas waved to the nearby staff, those peo
Ivanka’s expression changed slightly, but she remained silent.In such situations, she really did not want to get into this subject with him. Talking about it would only make things more uncomfortable.The car sped on.Jonah, as usual, smoothly transitioned away from the previous topic. He did not bring it up again and instead started a new conversation. He ensured it remained engaging without becoming tiresome.Soon enough, they arrived at their destination. Once they ordered their meals, business talks began.Jonah never rushed Ivanka. She could speak whenever she felt ready. He had given her the freedom to do so.That was his personality. Despite his imposing presence, he had a remarkable ability to adapt. When it was time to instill fear, everyone would tremble in his presence. At the moment, he emanated the aura of a refined, handsome, and sincere gentleman.This natural charm was irresistible to most girls. However, Jonah’s attempts to win over Ivanka always seemed to fall
Jonah was rational at the moment, but he still had not quite recovered from his earlier astonishment. Ivanka’s level of excellence had left him stunned.He looked at her. He was at a loss for words at that moment.Each time he learned another facet of her identity, instead of feeling closer to her like most people might, he strangely felt more distant from her.After all, she was not willing to disclose her own affairs, which only created a sense of barrier between her and others.Finally, Jonah spoke softly, “You want me to reach out to Lane’s Group for company collaboration?”“No.” Ivanka glanced at him and said softly, “I will take the initiative to disclose my identity as Papaver to the company, and that I intend to collaborate with Sadler’s Group. Besides, I also plan to reclaim my shares. This collaboration with you will serve as leverage.”Ivanka intended to publicly announce her identity, so she needed a good start. Now that Lane’s Group was declining in reputation, colla
However, he did not have the courage to ask that aloud.Michael set down his phone with a loud clatter. It was an unusually harsh sound.Michael was not prone to such outbursts.He rarely resorted to throwing objects in anger unless he had reached a boiling point.Evan rubbed his nose and thought to himself. “Right, right, Mr. Barkworth doesn’t care about it. He certainly didn’t throw his phone on purpose.”He lowered his head and intended to wait a little longer. If Michael had no other instructions for him, he could leave.However, just as he took a couple of deep breaths, he suddenly heard Michael’s icy voice. “Get Ivanka over here immediately. There’s an issue with the collaboration project with Lane’s Group. She needs to handle it.”Evan fell speechless.He quickly said, “Yes, sir,” and left.Evan had to steel himself to make the call to Ivanka, but it was still better than being in Michael’s office. At least Ivanka was not a devil.Soon, the call connected.Evan wasted
They were eager for these two to appear together more often. It would give them material to write about.It would be even better if Michael could be dragged into the mix.However, after they followed Jonah’s car to Barkworth’s Group, the journalists had already begun to speculate wildly. They were all feverishly typing away on their keyboards for tomorrow’s articles.Ivanka alighted as they arrived. Jonah followed suit. He smiled at her. “You go ahead and take care of things. I’ll wait here for you.”Ivanka immediately responded, “It’s not necessary.”“Oh?” Jonah narrowed his eyes slightly. “Do you want Michael to drive you home instead?”Ivanka furrowed her brows slightly and said, “I won’t get into his car. Besides, I’m not sure how long I’ll be working. You should go home first.”Jonah’s lips curled into a smile as he gazed at her with his charming eyes. “Do you really think I would leave?”Ivanka frowned again. “Jonah.”She uttered his name in a serious tone. Her tone was
The atmosphere in the office was brooding. Ivanka felt uneasy. Despite this, she walked over to Michael’s desk and gazed at him. She asked curtly, “What’s the matter with the project?”Michael’s expression was dark. He did not even spare Ivanka an icy gaze. He clicked the mouse with his right hand. The previously dark computer screen lit up once more. Through the glass behind Michael, Ivanka could glimpse the data table displayed on the screen, though the mirrored reflection partially impeded the view.“Come and see for yourself.”Michael’s voice was icy. He remained seated in his chair without budging an inch.Ivanka could tell that there really was a problem with the project. She frowned slightly. This was a project she had put a lot of effort into researching, and now that it was operational, she absolutely would not allow the company to encounter such issues!She immediately walked over to the computer. She stood by Michael’s left side. They were very close. Ivanka’s full atte
Ivanka knew that she could not struggle her way out Michael’s arms, so she gave up. It was mostly because she was already feeling exhausted. She stared at Michael in disbelief, as if asking, “How could you say such a thing?”The look in her eyes irritated Michael for a moment.After a pause, Ivanka shook her head and asked, “Michael, how did you end up like this?”There was a grim look in Michael’s eyes.“Why would you throw away your dignity for business interest? You have made Barkworth’s Group a big, successful company, yet it still doesn’t satisfy your appetite? You would even try to control me. Where’s the Michael who used to be proud and aloof?”Michael suddenly felt suffocated.“You think I’m doing this out of business interest?”Ivanka immediately snorted. “Didn’t you say that yourself? You said we were a fitting match.”Michael was speechless.At that moment, he was suddenly at a loss for words, but he could not vent the rage within him. Ivanka’s words somehow acted
Egbert stormed off in fury, but Sandy’s rage had not cooled in the slightest. She even lashed out at Ivan. “You shouldn’t have stopped me just now! If I’d given him a good scolding, or even a beating, maybe it would’ve finally knocked some sense into him. Otherwise, he’ll keep coming back. He’s always trying to use me for his own purposes!”She was so angry she was practically grinding her teeth. Ivan pressed his lips together and let out a long sigh. “With the way you looked like you were ready to kill someone, what did you expect me to do? Just stand there and watch you commit murder?”He was really worried when he saw how Sandy was losing control. “What’s the point of that old b*stard still being alive anyway?” Sandy said coldly. If she could really get rid of that old man, she would do it so she could avenge her mother and let go of that grudge she had been holding on.Ivan shook his head and said in a low voice, “Then think about it, how hard did you work to get to where yo
Sandy exploded. “Eighty million? Why don’t you go rob a bank? Or better yet, see if that wrinkled old face of yours is worth anything as collateral!”Sandy was fuming.Egbert had not expected Sandy to be so vulgar. He turned back, enraged.His black eyes shot daggers like he could rip her apart on the spot. Sandy did not flinch. Instead, she lifted her chin and gave him a cold, mocking smile. “What? Are you so mad that you’re thinking about hitting me? Do you want me to remind you of the law? We have no legal ties anymore. If you so much as touch me, that’s assault. And let’s not forget, you barged into my workplace to cause a scene.”“Sandy, I don’t know what kind of twisted morals your birth mother and adoptive mother taught you, but just look at yourself now! Do you even resemble a proper human being?”Egbert was extremely disappointed in Sandy. The one thing Sandy hated most was when people brought up her birth mother and adoptive mother. Those two women were the most import
Egbert snapped at Sandy coldly. His gaze was pressing.However, that had no effect on Sandy. Her lips even curled into a mocking smile as she said, “I’m not one of your McNeil pets. That look, your words, they cannot intimidate me at all.”At the mention of “pets,” Egbert was so furious that he slammed his cane against the floor with a loud crack. “Listen to yourself! Is that any way for a lawyer to speak? Do you even understand the meaning of respect, decency, and manners? Is that how your mother raised you?”Sandy had been mean and harsh on purpose to kill whatever sliver of hope he held onto.Just as she wished, he was angered.Watching him lose his composure, Sandy even felt a flicker of satisfaction rise within her. Her mother and herself were thrown out and lived a tough life while her father stood by uselessly. Who else was to blame, if not this old man standing before her?“My mother raised me to be a decent person. She taught me never to push away what’s rightfully mine,
Thomas stated his purpose.Sandy’s reaction, however, was full of repulsion. She frowned. Even her tone was curt. “Uncle, I made it very clear about seeing him the last time we spoke. He never once considered me part of the McNeil family. If it weren’t for my mother taking me in, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Now that I’ve grown up and suddenly seem useful, he wants to claim me back? I was abandoned by the McNeil family the moment I was born. I’m not stupid enough to become a pawn for your family!”Sandy was furious.She had always treated Thomas with a certain courtesy, but at the moment, that line had clearly been crossed.Thomas, though only the messenger, could feel the weight of her resentment. “It may not be as bad as you think. If you won’t go, Dad will come find you himself.”That was the truth. Yet Sandy did not spare the old man a shred of respect. She scoffed. “He might be your dad, your head of the family, but he’s nothing to me. From the moment I was abandoned, th
Sandy was really surprised to see Ivanka. “When did you get back?”“Today,” Ivanka answered honestly.“You have quite a packed schedule for just one day.” Sandy teased her.When they had planned to take down Coco last time, Ivanka was not around. Then Michael returned. From what Sandy could tell, they were always either together or closely following each other.Ivanka did not respond to her teasing. “I’ll only be here for a day or two, then I would have to leave again.”Sandy was speechless. She rolled her eyes at Ivanka. “Are you going to become a full-time jet setter?”“She can’t help it,” Anna answered for Ivanka. Just as she finished saying that, Anna’s phone rang. It was another case to follow up on. She had to step away to take the call.Only Ivanka and Sandy remained in the office. “You look exhausted. If you keep going like this, I’m worried you’ll wear yourself out!” Sandy shook her head and expressed her concern for Ivanka. Ivanka chuckled. “I wouldn’t go that fa
When she heard what Anna said, Ivanka immediately teased. “Why, can’t I even come to the firm?”“Well, of course, you can come. You are an important partner; why can’t you come?” Anna laughed and looked at Ivanka, annoyed. Immediately after, she made a cup of tea for Ivanka.The tea was also of fine quality. She had bought it.Ivanka also remembered how she, Anna, and Sandy, the three of them, used to work hard together in the firm after she divorced Michael. Originally, she wanted to live on her own. However, one thing happened after another, and her plans got delayed. “I don’t see Sandy. Has she gone to handle cases?” Ivanka sipped a mouthful of tea, and immediately after, she asked Anna about Sandy’s whereabouts.Anna told Ivanka truthfully. “Sandy recently took over a very tricky case. She wants to make a not-guilty defense for that person. But the father of the deceased is the Groethe family, a rather prestigious family in Bostone. How could a commoner fight with a rich ki
But as time went on, things happened one after another. While they were in contact with each other, she also slowly understood Jonah’s personality.The most important thing was that Jonah was also honest with her later on.When Jonah mentioned this again, Ivanka could not help but scrutinize Jonah again.He was starting to become unhinged!“Jonah, you need to stabilize your emotions. Sometimes, when you feel impatient, you should just close your eyes and take a good rest. You should not have such emotions.”Ivanka spoke solemnly toward Jonah and advised him. When he saw Ivanka’s serious expression, Jonah instantly also realized that he had lost himself.Ivanka was not like Chiara, who could accept him losing control. If he lost control in front of Ivanka, it would affect Ivanka’s mood. That would make him courting death too! This would put a halt to all his opportunities!Jonah also realized this problem. He was very distressed. He could not even explain why his emotions had
When Ivanka said this, she pressed her hand on Jonah’s shoulder. There was no other meaning, she wanted Jonah to calm down.But this instead gave Jonah an opportunity. He grabbed Ivanka’s wrist. Then he tugged forward forcefully… Ivanka was caught off guard, and her whole body fell on top of him.He then took advantage of the situation and held Ivanka in his arms.The faint scent entered his nose, Jonah was intoxicated for a moment.But at that moment, he felt like he was waking up from a dream.Ivanka could not be so intimate with him. The sensations of touch and warmth in front of him were so real again. It was not an illusion, it was his compulsion!After realizing this, Jonah hurriedly pushed Ivanka away. He even more quickly apologized to Ivanka. “Iv, I’m sorry. I lost control. I didn’t mean to…”“I know.”Ivanka uttered softly, but her tone was cold.She knew. Neither did she blame him. But why was she using that tone, with that look on her face?“No, Iv. you’re blami
“Jonah, I don’t like you. I told you, I only see you as a friend. When I’m unwilling to do something, no amount of moral coercion would work on me.”Ivanka spoke up bluntly. She did not want Jonah to cling to something impossible.Jonah was silent.This was where Jonah and Michael were different.“Look, you still have so many things to do. By the time you remember me, we have already missed the best time. This time when you leave, did Michael go with you?” Jonah raised his eyes to meet Ivanka’s. He wanted to hear Ivanka’s answer from her mouth.Ivanka did not reply. But the look in her eyes already said it all.Her silence confirmed it all.Jonah felt that his heart grow incredibly heavy at the moment. He had a crazy thought: Was it true that if Michael died, Ivanka would be able to focus all her attention on him?However, he was an invalid and did not even have a chance to get close!“The way you treat Michael and the way you treat me has always been so different. I know. A